Circus program connecting seniors and students boosts wellbeing and confidence on NSW Mid North Coast

At the age of 84, Pat Evans never imagined she'd be spinning plates in a circus show with teenagers in front of an audience.

"Never ever in my life have I done anything like it, and the kids are so great, they're so polite," Ms Evans said.The three-month arts program, Circus Connections, aimed to build intergenerational connections between young, Indigenous and older communities affected by floods on the Mid North Coast in 2021.

If you ever thought an intergenerational friendship could bring a new perspective or energy to your life, but didn't know where to start, let us help.Since her stroke, her ability to live independently — from driving to doing her hobby of knitting — has been significantly reduced.She said building the courage to take part in activities like Circus Connections had taken a lot of effort, especially when she spent a year in hospital with a broken leg after her stroke.

"At first they were very apprehensive, they hadn't had many dealings with older people, but now when they come, they talk about their favourites," Ms Meaney said.The program, funded by a $20,000 state government flood recovery grant provided by the Primary Health Network, was led by Ms Hort, together with Circartus and Wingham High School, with assistance from the Mid Coast Council.

Seniors Aged Care Arts Wellbeing Flood Recovery Grant Wingham Cirartus Creative Aging Circus Connections Circartus Circus School Wingham High School Mid Coast Council Goodnews

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Sydney firm scoops top NSW architecture prize for rebuild of North Head viewing platformsJudges praise ‘poetic, generous’ design , while awarding apartment building in Sydney’s inner-west the prize for architecture that benefits the people of NSW
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

‘Bad for the whole of NSW’: Inside the north shore’s NIMBY crusadeKu-ring-gai Council is taking the state government to court to block its planning reforms. But even in NIMBY central, attitudes about housing policy are starting to shift.
Source: smh - 🏆 6. / 80 Read more »

Heavy rainfall Illawarra, NSW South Coast causes flooding, SES rescues as system moves north towards SydneyResidents are urged to stay off the roads and prepare for more storms and potential flooding as heavy rain batters coastal regions, then moves north.
Source: abcnews - 🏆 5. / 83 Read more »

Australian diver Cassiel Rousseau: from the circus and TV talent shows to the Olympic poolThe 23-year-old with French heritage and a curious background is set to complete a novel circle for his family in Paris
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

UK election circus presents voters with almost impossible choiceI can’t believe it.
Source: SkyNewsAust - 🏆 7. / 78 Read more »

Figure pulling strings in Tiger teen circus; Roosters’ shock $800k Smith move: Jimmy BringsNRL: Tevita Pangai Jr has begun training at the Dolphins as Tom Flegers injury still shrouded in mystery.
Source: FOXSportsAUS - 🏆 24. / 51 Read more »